Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council supports Macmillan Cancers 'Move More' Initiative

August 7, 2017

There are 63,000 people living with cancer in Northern Ireland today, and 30 new cases are being diagnosed every day. As a result of improvements in treatment and earlier diagnosis, many people are living for longer with cancer. Accordingly, the needs of people affected by cancer are diverse and ever-changing, and different approaches are now being used to support people affected by cancer to enjoy an improved quality of life.

Macmillan Cancer Support has teamed up with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, and the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust to launch Move More Lisburn & Castlereagh, a new and innovative physical activity project for people affected by cancer.

Thanks to funding provided by Macmillan, the Council has recently recruited Kelly Irwin as the Macmillan Move More Coordinator who will be responsible for providing people affected by cancer with the support, motivation and opportunities that they may require to become and remain active. Kelly will meet with people affected by cancer on an individual basis at a time and place that suits them. She will provide personalised and tailored support for each individual, and will help them to become and remain active in a way which suits them and fits in with their lifestyle. Through the project, people affected by cancer will have the opportunity to try out a diverse range of activities, and to access incentives including free taster sessions, discounted membership rates, and access for family and friends.

Speaking about the Move More initiative, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, Alderman James Tinsley said: “On behalf of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, I am pleased to welcome the launch of the Macmillan Move More initiative. 

“This initiative aims to encourage people affected by cancer to get active through a range of physical activity programmes and activities available across the Council area.  

“We hope to offer a level of normality to those affected by cancer through the Move More initiative, which not only provides many physical benefits, including, improved strength, aerobic fitness and flexibility, but also offers a social platform, empowering people with confidence to get out and about again. 

“I am pleased that Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council can play some small part in helping those affected by cancer and experiencing one of the toughest times in their lives.”

Kelly also explains, the project is targeted at anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer and aims to provide a tailored solution to suit the needs of each individual:

“An active lifestyle can reduce the consequences of cancer treatment, prevent the progression of cancer, and reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence. Through Move More Lisburn & Castlereagh, we will be supporting people affected by cancer to become and remain active in an activity that is right for them. For some people, this might mean getting along to the gym, going for a swim, joining a walking group, or taking part in an exercise class along with other people who have been diagnosed with cancer. But for others, it may mean getting out and about with family and friends, walking a little further each day, or finding ways of being more active around the home. Irrespective of when an individual has been diagnosed with cancer and what type of cancer they have, we can provide the support that they need to become and remain active and to enjoy an improved quality of life as a result.”

To get involved in Move More Lisburn & Castlereagh or for more information contact Kelly Irwin on 028 9250 9566 or email kelly.irwin@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk